8 firefighters injured battling large Venice fire

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Eight firefighters were injured battling a large and extremely hot fire that had engulfed a storage facility in Venice, authorities said Sunday.

More than 300 firefighters battled the blaze overnight at the Extra Space Storage facility after it broke out around 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Los Angeles fire spokesman Brian Humphrey said.

Two firefighters with heat exhaustion and another with a back injury and blisters were taken to the hospital, while a firefighter with heat exhaustion and a captain with an unspecified injury were treated at the scene, spokesman Erik Scott said.

He didn't provide details on the other three firefighters, but none of the injuries were life-threatening.

Combustible items packed inside the storage units fueled the flames and created extremely hot and smoky conditions. The building's metal roof made it difficult for heat and smoke to escape.

Firefighters cut holes in the roof and smashed windows to try to ventilate the structure.

Debris was still smoldering midmorning Sunday but the bulk of flames had been put out, Humphrey said.

Investigators combed through debris to determine the fire's cause and hoped to have answers later Sunday.

Firefighters were able to save about two-thirds of the units from flames, but there is standing water damage.

The department has been in touch with the property owner who plans to bring a private firm in to deal with tenants and insurance concerns in the coming days, Humphrey said.